West Ham United Blog

Hammers to lose striker

Reports in the press today suggest that what some of us have guessed for a long time is actually going to be confirmed, and that is that Dean Ashton will be retiring from football.  Deano, who is only 25 and was once a real prospect, never fully recovered from an ankle injury caused by Shaun Wright Phillips in an England training match.  Ironically this was in the year when the presence of Carlos Tevez was 'proven' to be worth 3 points.  Well, if that's the case, we can certainly prove that Dean Ashton was worth a lot more, and the club are set to pursue the FA for insurance compensation.  Deano may also choose to pursue action for loss of earnings through other channels.

It's not a major blow to our current squad and plans, but it is sad to see such a talented footballer being forced to retire in his prime.  Deano was a natural finisher, a good headerer of the ball, had strength to hold it up and pace when he needed it.  I hope he finds a good purpose outside of playing the game and wish him all the best for the future.

West Ham 1 Everton 2

I can't say that I've often felt upbeat after watching a defeat at Upton Park, but to be honest, that's how I felt after today's match.  There was little wrong with how we played today and the sense of shock at Saha's opener was felt around the stadium.  Everton literally scored with their only chances of the game, whereas we pepperred their goal with chances that were either denied by some lacklustre finishing or last gasp defending.  If we play like that every week and improve on a couple of areas, we will be a hard team to beat.

The team selection was interesting, with Noble dropped to the bench for the first time this season.  I have to say, there was more coherence to the attacking side of our game without him, but it wouldn.t be Jiminez I'd have out there, but more on that in a second.  What I will say in Noble's defence was he was warming up very near where I was sat, and he was figuratively kicking every ball and going in for every tackle.  The guy is pure West Ham and we need players like him around.

But another player we definitely need around is Alessandro Diamanti.  I rated this guy from his first appearance and he keeps coming on changing games for us.  Why then is he not starting for us?  Even if he is not fully fit, I'd rather see him starting for 60 than just coming on for the last 20.  He is our most creative outlet and such a goal threat.  He is well up for the fight whenever he comes on and I just think we will be spending less time chasing games if he was on from the start.   Placing him on the right and putting Behrami in the middle with Parker is the strongest option we have, so why aren't we doing it?

Okay, ratings time;

Green - 5 - not much to do and unfortunately the two chances Everton had were let in, so disappointing in that sense

Spector - 7 - was excellent in the first half, but out of position for their second goal, but he was good cover for Illunga

Upson - 6 - kept things organised at the back

Da Costa - 7 - thought he had a really good game, let down by his distribution but he is a strong defender

Faubert  - 6 - also had problems with his distribution today but is still an improved player

Collison - 6 - off after 45 mins, possibly carrying an injury as didn't really get into it

Parker - 8 - immense performance from Scotty P, my man of the match

Jiminez - 6 - still can't quite make my mind up about him, does some good things but not sure how much more there is to come

Behrami - 7 - full of running, not his greatest game but I just think the guy is quality

Franco - 6- faded after getting a kick in the ankle but came back into the game, not bad, not great...

Hines - 6 - struggled against a strong Everton backline, had chances that he should have got on target, but he is raw and will learn from the game

Subs - Stanislas - 6 - got a bit lucky for the goal in all honesty and didn't take on the full backs like he should

Diamanti - 7 - awesome cameo from the boy from Livorno, just want to see more of him

Zola/Clarke - 6 - had to juggle with the team but did not always make the right move for me today

Overall, it really was a game we should have got at least a point from and we now find ourselves back in the bottom 3.  But if we can keep playing like that and find a way for Diamanti, Cole and Franco to find a rhythm, things will certainly get better....

Hammers see light at end of the tunnel

It was always likely to be the case.  In years past, West Ham playing under the floodlights were an impenetrable team.  Buoyed by a raging East End atmosphere, the team went almost two years without losing a home midweek game, and although that run may not quite repeat itself, there were certainly sings of a bygone era last night, with fans driving the team and a homegrown hero securing the points.

We’ve shown some fight in recent games, as well as persistence.  Despite taunts from know-nothing Spurs fans, we’ve not looked like a team heading for the relegation scrap.  There is too much pride and determination, coupled with some great players, for that to happen.  Provided the January transfer window does not tear that spirit apart, we’ll be fine.  There are the games this month that mean we can push up and onwards, not worry about the results of Portsmouth and Hull.

Whilst I was delighted with the result, there were a couple of worrying elements.  Villa did have a period of total control, and other teams would have capitalised on that.  I’m also confused as to why Zola brought on Jiminez when you just felt the spark of Diamanti could have replaced a much improved but clearly tired Noble.  I felt it was the wrong decision by Zola but I guess he will feel vindicated by the result.

Anyway, onto the ratings:

Green – 7 – some great saves, including the penalty, might have done better on their goal?

Illunga -6 – not on long enough to have an effect

Upson – 7 – strong performance from Matty

Da Costa – 7 – distribution was poor but defensively he looked very capable against some tough Premier League strikers

Faubert – 6 – some poor crossing, saved only by a couple of well timed tackles

Collison – 7 – quietly getting back to some top form, never stopped running

Parker – 8 – talking of never stopped running, my man of the match, cracking performance

Noble – 7 – his best game for some time, good penalty and got involved throughout

Behrami – 6.5 – decent shift from Valon without being highly influential

Cole – 6 – hope his injury is not too serious

Franco – 7 – you can see some real quality from this guy and seems to be developing an understanding with Carlton

Subs;
Spector – 6 – did okay considering he was on his wrong side

Hines – 7 – lovely performance from Zavon, gave Villa the run around from the moment he was on

Zola/Clarke – 7 – despite some questionable personnel decisions, they kept the lads going till the end.

In order to fully turn the corner, another 3 points against Everton on Sunday would be a real boost.  But damn, it’s good to remember what a win feels like again, well done lads!

West Ham v Aston Villa Preview

So it would seem to make sense to go over Sunderland and preview the Villa game in the same post today.  For those who have been going to Upton Park in terms of decades rather than years, like myself, they’ll know that the Hammers not knowing how to play against 10 men is not exactly a new phenomenon.  I can’t think of an example where the opposition were down to ten and we then proceeded to rip them apart.  In fact, I think a player going off is now the worst thing that can happen to us, so if Richard Dunne hauls down Cole as the last defender on Wednesday, I hope you’ll all join me in a chorus of ‘on, on, on, on, on’ and ensure we keep 11 v 11.

It was certainly disappointing to draw at the Stadium of Sh*te, but we also have to admit we would have taken a point at 2.59 on Saturday afternoon.  Recoveries are often based on the notion of stop losing first and then start winning.  We’ve lost only one in the previous four, and this week we have the perfect opportunity to start the winning cycle.

First up are Aston Villa and an early return to Upton Park for the ginger Maldini in the form of James Collins.  I’m sure he will be given a warm welcome until he clears one off the line.  I don’t really mind Villa as a team and I usually have time for Martin O’Neill.  He is trying to build a team around young, English players and that’s always good to see.  They can play decent football but are certainly in the beatable category.

Kovac is suspended, no great loss there, although there is a rumour Parker has to serve an additional ban for his quick red, I don’t see any evidence of this on the Premier League suspended list.  Behrami is a slight doubt with a calf niggle, but I’ll assume for now he will play, so...

Green

Illunga – Tomkins – Upson – Spector

Collison – Parker – Behrami – Diamanti

Cole – Franco

Bench: Kurucz, Faubert, Hines, Stanislas, Da Costa, Noble, Jiminez

Mr Franco seems to be settling in quite well and has an eye for where the goal is.  I’ve already spoken about Noble and although he played better against Sunderland, I still think he needs a rest.  I also think having Diamanti on the pitch if only for his set pieces is crucial.  Sky have called it the ‘Set Piece League’ as that is where goals are coming from this season, and Diamanti’s delivery of these is superb.

Key Player:  Collison is getting back to some top form and can be a driving force for the win

Key opponent – He was so nearly a Hammmer, but Ashley Young will have to be marshalled carefully

Prediction – I’ve bottled it a bit the past couple of weeks, but I am feeling good about this one, so 3-1 to the Hammers with a floodlit atmosphere giving the Hammers a lift.  Come on you Irons!

Agree with my prediction?  Sky Bet will give you 25/1 for a 3-1 victory, click below for a free bet and make it a double celebration!

West Ham v Sunderland Match Preview

Having just about calmed down after Sunday’s entertainment, it’s another chance for the Hammers to prove they have turned the corner with a tough trip to the land of Mackems.  Our comeback against Fulham was followed by the damp squib against Stoke, so it would be good avoid defeat and push on for the two home games against Villa and Everton.

Sunderland themselves are a different proposition this year, the purchase of Darren Bent proving particularly astute.  I’m just left wondering what would have become of us had we signed him a couple of seasons back.  Still, at least he is doing the business for them and not Spurs.  They are a pretty strong proposition at home, but their last two results of a defeat at Birmingham and being dumped out of the Carling after 120 minutes might have had an effect on them.  In addition, there are a few injuries, including our own George McCartney, who is anything but a favourite up there.  Campbell seems to be a definite non starter and bent is touch and go, which good news for us.

As for the Hammers, red card magnet Parker is out for this one, so it’s a simple swap with Kovac for me.  After their impressive cameos on Sunday, both Hines and Diamanti must start, and again Zola has got to give Noble a rest.  Here is my team;

Green

Illunga – Tomkins – Upson – Spector

Collison – Kovac – Behrami – Diamanti

Cole – Hines

Bench: Kurucz, Faubert, Franco, Noble, Da Costa, Stanislas, Dyer

Spector certainly did enough to earn another call up, it makes a big difference having a natural defender there and he will be need to do a job on Kieron Richardson who can be a threat down the wings.

Key Opponent: Kenwyne Jones seems to enjoy playing against us and we’ll do well to keep him quiet

Key Hammer: Diamanti can be a real driving force for us this season, let’s see if he fancies it on a cold day up north, unlike other mercurial Italians who have played for us.

Prediction: I reckon a bit of a scrappy affair, with the Hammers getting a bit of luck and nicking a 2-1 win.  Come on you Irons!!!

Callum Davenport Charged with Assault

In a strange turn of events following his stabbing, Callum Davenport has been charged with assault.  Not quite sure what has gone here, but it appears there was more to the incident than first thought.  It's a breaking story on Sky Sports now.

Because this is an on-going legal issue, I have closed the comments for this post.

West Ham 2 Arsenal 2

Having finally caught my breath and watched the highlights, it's time to reflect on an exhilirating afternoon at Upton Park.  It was a great comeback, and could prove to be a 'season turner'.  My only concern is that Zola has now learnt his lesson and needs to make the changes to the team that are there for all to see.  A couple of changes in personnell and sticking to 442 and we can be a tough team to beat again.

There was some real fight and determination from the lads today in the second half and we can be rightly proud of them.  Driven on by the enigmatic Diamanti and the tireless running on Collison and Behrami, there were some great individual performances.  The biggest accolade going to Calrton Cole, who caused Gallas and Vermaelen problems all afternoon.  On the downside, there were one or two decidely less impressive showings. 

I like Mark Noble, he is West Ham through and through, but it is certainly time he was given a rest.  Maybe he just needs a couple of weeks away from the game or some kind of break, but he looks bereft of ideas as a player.  His set pieces, compared to Diamanti's are below average and he continues to lose the ball with some wayward passing.  The other worry is Herita Illunga.  He looks like he is suffering from the famed 'Sebastain Schemmel Second Season Syndrome'.  After being a favourite last season, he is playing like he is still concussed from the Wolves match.  Come on Herita, we know how good you are, let's see it again.

Okay, here are my ratings;

Green - 6 - almost a first 5 for Green but he redeemed himself with a cracking save right at the end, but not a great day at the office for the Green un

Illunga - 5 - possibly his worst performance for us today, perhaps a lack of competition for palces is affecting his form

Upson - 6 - gave his all today, not at his best but decent enough

Tomkins - 6 - looking shakier than last season for me, still like Tommo and hope he can step up a bit more

Spector - 7 - a brave decision by Zola to drop Faubert but one that was justified, we looked more solid with a natural defender there and I think he should stay

Collison - 7 - still finding his feet after his absences but never stopped running and we are better team for his return

Parker - 6.5 - mixed day for Scotty, he worked tirelessly and got unjustly sent off at the end of the match

Noble - 5 - sorry mate, it's the bench for your next weekend, not good enough at the moment

Behrami - 7 - alongside Collison, ran his socks off, great to have these boys back

Cole - 8 - caused trouble all afternoon, scored and just put in a top class performance today, nice one Carlton

Franco - 6 - baptism of fire I believe they are called, didn't really get into it, more to see from this fella

Subs:  Diamanti and Hines both get a 7 from me.  I still can't believe people were having a go at Diamanti before the game.  Parker aside, he is the only lionheart we've got and I love to see him on the pitch.  Zavon did well too.

Zola/Clarke - 7 - it's taking them time to see how the team should line up, but the substitutions did the trick.  Don't revert to type next weekend Frankie.  Overall, it felt like a win today, up the Hammers!!!!!!

West Ham v Arsenal Preview

Perhaps someone thought we'd be part of the big four, as it's super dooper Sunday on Sky this weekend, but unfortunately we are 'repping' the bottom three rather than being part of the big boys party.  In only our fourth home game of the season, it's a big derby against Arsenal, and many Hammers fans seems nervous about this one.  Rather bizzarely, I'm feeling less so.  The one thing we have not been is trounced by anyway this season and only Man City have beaten us by more than one goal in the league.  This game is a perfect opportunity to show if we've got the fight in us or whether we are going to struggle with a whimper.  I'm more curious as to seeing if we are as bad as the results have gone or if we just need to turn the corner with a bit of luck.

We were in control of the Fulham and to some extent the Spurs games until mistakes let those teams back in it.  On Sunday, we must be focussed and everyone has to work very hard for each other.  There is no reason to doubt the team spirit at the moment in spite of the results and this game is a real test to see how strong it is.

As for Arsenal, they are a team I do always have time, unlike their neighbours down the Seven Sisters Road with whom we share a deep disdain of.  But some of their football over the years has been great to watch and they have some very talented players in the team.  Fortunately for us, one of them, Theo Walcott, will miss this one, but there is still plenty of pace and guile and the midfield will have to be well on top of Fabregas and Arshavin.

As for the team, I find it dis-heartening to read fans having a go at Diamanti already.  Even Behrami looked lost in his first few games, give the guy a break.  He only has Parker next to him in terms of fighting spirit and it's something we really need at the moment.  Once again I'd go 442 and see if Hines can give Gallas a bit of a run around.  So the line up would be;

Green

Illunga - Upson - Tomkins - Faubert

Collison - Parker - Behrami - Diamanti

Cole - Hines

Bench: Kurucz, Noble, Spector, Gabbidon, Stanislas, Jiminez, and Nouble

I think this is our best chance of doing some damage, but it's going to be a tough game.

Key Man: Collison could be suitably fired up for this one and back from his injury, he could have a key role

Key Opponent:  Quite a few to choose from but if we can keep Van Persie quiet, it may be our day

Prediction:  Wow, what a tough one, my head is thinking we could get mullered, Arsenal have dished out some serious beatings to the likes of Everton and Blackburn, and we will do well to avoid the same.  I'm pleading the fifth on this one!

It's going to be a tough weekend and it won't get much easier next weekend with a visit to the beach ballers, I hope we can come away with our pride in-tact, come on you Irons!!!!!!!

Are the cavalry coming?

I listened to the Stoke game on the radio yesterday, so won't be doing rankings for this one.  Whilst BBC London does have a certain bias towards the London club, it's apparent we played okay but once again the lack of cutting edge up front made us pay. 

I was gutted when I saw Hines was on the bench, Stoke are big and strong but I don't think they are very quick at the back and it would have been made for his pace to give Huth and friends a good run around.  On the plus side, it's great to have Behrami and Collison back, if they stay fit they can be key players for us if we are to turn things around.

In order for things to happen at Upton Park, the issue of ownership needs to be settled sooner rather than later.  According to today's News of the World, a consortium from the USA are interested in taking on ownership of the club.  It sounds like they may be the competitors to David Sullivan's possible interest on the club.

New owners would provide an interesting challenge for the club.  For example, it may see the end of the roles of Duxbury and Nani, which would mean Zola's close relationship with senior management would be cut.  The effect of this could go either way, with Zola either wanting to prove his value to new owners or seeking to follow the route of those who brought him to the club.

Whatever happens, it would be great to see this sorted by January.  I don't want us to go into the transfer window with Green, Cole and Upson being touted around.  Instead, we need some investment, and not to be selling good players like James Collins to plug in gaps elsewhere, we are simply opening up new ones by doing that.  Let's hope the story has legs and gains some momentum, we could do with some stability off the pitch even if we are not getting it on the pitch right now.

Stoke City v West Ham Preview

It’s another ‘must win’ game this Saturday as the Hammers travel to the Potteries for a tricky fixture against Stoke.  Last season’s surprise victory up there was one of my favourite performances.  We battled and battled hard and the days of us being a soft touch up north seemed light years away.  Our start to the season has implied those days will soon be back with us, and not even subject to geography.  The last minute equaliser against Fulham was very important from a psychological point of view and I hope it’s reminded the players they need to put in for 90 minutes.

As for Stoke, their start has been okay, they have been beaten at home by Man United and Chelsea, but they have seen off Sunderland and Burnley.  They are a physical and well organised team and we certainly need to be up for it to beat them. 

As for the team, please, please can we have 442 Mr Zola?  Behrami looked to have lost none of his quality when he came on against Fulham, it would be great if he was ready to start.  Some have said we need to the tall players like Kovac and Tomkins for this one, to be honest, if players are good enough, they are tall enough.  Steve Potts is a great example of this, he used to have Les Ferdinand in his pocket.  So, my team is;

Green

Illunga – Upson – Gabbidon – Faubert

Stanislas – Kovac – Behrami – Diamanti

Cole – Baked Beans

Bench:  Kurucz, Noble, Tomkins, Kovac, Spector, Nouble, Dyer

Parker sits in front of the defence and Behrami is the attacking midfielder.  Stan gives us some natural width and Diamanti can drift in when on the attack for more of a 433 forward.

Key Player: Behrami’s return can make a real difference for us

Key opponent: Let’s hope Matthew Etherington is feeling sentimental and has a quiet one

Prediction:  I think we will see some blood and thunder from the Hammers and a 2-1 victory is on the cards.

Come on you Irons!!!

Update:  Thanks to Stevo for reminding me Parker is suspended, must be the quickest 5 yelow suspension ever!  I have placed Mr Kovac in to replace him.